Caissons Collection

Concrete bridge across the Clyde in Glasgow. The bridges built here was the second concrete bridge in the world, and first in the UK. The first image showing the extensive amount of scaffolding

With the Russians and General Gourko in the Balkans (engraving)
1049802 With the Russians and General Gourko in the Balkans (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: With the Russians and General Gourko in the Balkans)

Construction work on the Paris Metro at the Place de l Opera (colour litho)
2782405 Construction work on the Paris Metro at the Place de l Opera (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

BROOKLYN BRIDGE: CAISSON. Cross section of a caisson of the Brooklyn Bridge. Engraving, c1870

BROOKLYN BRIDGE, 1870. Exterior view of the caisson at the Brooklyn end of the bridge. Line engraving, 1870

Pier no. 2 mounting caissons Louis-Emile Durandelle
Pier no.2, mounting the caissons; Louis-Emile Durandelle (French, 1839 - 1917); April 21, 1887; Albumen silver print

Placement Caissons Eiffel Tower Paris Louis-Emile Durandelle
Placement of the Caissons, Eiffel Tower, Paris; Louis-Emile Durandelle (French, 1839 - 1917); Paris, France; April 1887; Albumen silver print

French Strongman Lifts Cannon
France: c. 1917. A strongman in the French Army lifting a cannon overhead along with three of his comrades astride it

Building the Metro
Construction workers building the Opera metro station emerge from the compressed-air caissons in the Avenue de l Opera, in front of the Paris Opera Date: 1903

France Cherbourg
Sinking caissons in Cherbourg harbour earlier in the century; published in 1794, this print reflects English interest in the French fortifications. Date: 1735

Scene of Battle, Fredericksburg, Virginia [Caissons destroyed by Federal shells]; A.J. Russell, American, 1830 - 1902; Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States, North America; May 3

Diagram of an air lock used to construct the caissons of the Brooklyn Bridge. Wood engraving, c1880
BROOKLYN BRIDGE: AIR LOCK. Diagram of an air lock used to construct the caissons of the Brooklyn Bridge. Wood engraving, c1880

BROOKLYN BRIDGE, 1870. Laborers in the caisson at the Brooklyn end of the bridge. Line engraving, 1870

BROOKLYN BRIDGE, 1870. Sectional view of the caisson and masonry foundation of the Brooklyn Bridge. Wood engraving, American, 1870

BROOKLYN BRIDGE, 1870. Within the caisson at the Brooklyn end of the bridge. Line engraving, 1870

BROOKLYN BRIDGE: CAISSON. Laborers in the caisson at the Brooklyn end of the bridge. Wood engraving, American, 1870

Caissons, Centre wall, Miraflores locks, Panama Canal Date: C. 1910

Mulberry Caisson under construction; Second World War, 1944
Photograph showing a steel and concrete Mulberry caisson under construction on the South Coast of Britain during 1944. When the Allied Armies invaded Normandy in June 1944

A Busy Wharf at Mulberry Harbour; Second World War, 1944
Photograph showing a busy wharf at Mulberry Harbour, also known as Port Winston, off Arromanches, Normandy, 1944. When the Allied Armies invaded Normandy in June 1944

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Caissons: The Unsung Heroes of Construction and Engineering From concrete bridges across the Clyde to the Paris Metro at Place de l'Opera, they have played a crucial role in shaping our world. These massive structures, often overlooked but indispensable, have been instrumental in some of history's most significant construction projects. In the Balkans, alongside Russian forces and General Gourko, caissons proved their worth during battles. Their strength and durability allowed troops to cross treacherous terrains with ease, ensuring victory for those who relied on them. The Paris Metro owes much of its success to these remarkable creations. At Place de l'Opera, amidst vibrant colors captured in lithographs, they were diligently employed to lay the foundations that would support this iconic transportation system. They stood as silent witnesses to progress beneath bustling streets. Across France and Cherbourg alike, caissons worked tirelessly on various projects. Whether it was building the mighty Forth Bridge or supporting the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower in Paris – they were there every step of the way. Engravings from different eras immortalize their contribution; an enduring testament to their significance. One cannot discuss caissons without mentioning Brooklyn Bridge – an engineering marvel that connected two great cities. Cross-section engravings reveal intricate details while exterior views showcase their sheer size at the bridge's Brooklyn end. These images transport us back to 1870 when ambition met innovation head-on. Photographer Louis-Emile Durandelle also captured pivotal moments involving caissons through his lens. From pier no. 2 mounting operations to placing them beneath the majestic Eiffel Tower - his photographs encapsulate both precision and artistry intertwined within these colossal structures. However, not all stories about they can tales of triumphs alone; some depict scenes of battle like Fredericksburg in Virginia where they faced destruction amid conflict's chaos.